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East Shore Beaches

© Fred Durand

The eastern shoreline of Nantucket stretches 10 miles from the charming village and beach of Siasconset, north to Great Point Light, located at the very tip of over 1000 acres of sand dunes and barrier beach. Technically, Siasconset, or 'Sconset as the locals call it, is the only public beach on the eastern shore. Situated just 7 miles from the ferry terminals, it is the quintessential picture postcard town. Beautifully kept rose covered cottages line the narrow streets and the 100-year-old general store completes the scene. With it's own post office and fire department, it is the only other true town on the island.

The beach itself is on the open Atlantic and frequented by heavy surf. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, food and restrooms are available in the village, just a 3-minute walk. In addition to swimming, fishing and kite flying are popular pastimes at this beach. Although there are no other services or facilities, the area attracts large numbers of tourists, in part because it is easily accessible by car, paved bike path or shuttle bus. Scattered though the tiny village are a few small shops and artist's galleries, typically open only during the summer months.

Heading north, the beach becomes largely inaccessible, lined with private homes that afford no public right of way or parking. The main road begins to wind away from the ocean, veering inland to circumvent Nantucket's largest salt water pond, Sesachacha Pond. This is a wonderful place for families with very young children, as there is a large sandy beach, shallow water, and of course, no surf. Only a few hundred feet of dunes and beach separate the pond from the ocean, the contrast between the two areas is striking. In addition, Sesachacha Pond is ideal for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. In fact, area residents simply leave their sailboats and windsurfers lined up along the edge of the beach all summer long. Both the pond and ocean beach are in a residential area with extremely limited parking; there are no lifeguards or other facilities.

There is only one route that will take you north from Sesachacha Pond. Squam Road is a narrow, yet passable dirt road, which follows the contour of the coast, eventually depositing you at the Wauwinet Gate House. The speed limit is "slow" and in many places the road is wide enough for only a single car. Along the 2 mile stretch are scattered homes on both sides. The properties on the ocean side enjoy breathtaking unobstructed views of the Atlantic and virtually private ocean beach for a back yard.

The copyright of the article East Shore Beaches in Nantucket Island is owned by Dina Ely. Permission to republish East Shore Beaches in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.